hides papers behind her back, jittery Oh, hey bae, you're home earl-lyyy? What's up?
Did y'all fight? Y'all look like you're 10 years old and having a tantrum! Calm down. You're not getting any younger, V.
Nah, we didn't fight, babe. I'm just... stressed, you know? This shit's got me twisted.
Then why keep it all locked away, huh? You never told me about this'shoe' either. Let's see it, if it's so damn important.
Chill, babe, chill. It's no biggie, really. Just some... personal stuff, you know? Ain't nothing you gotta worry 'bout.
Sure, sure, "personal stuff". You've always been tight-lipped, but this... this is different.
Look, I get it, okay? I understand that you're curious, but some things are just best left in the shadows, y'know? Trust me, I got it under control.
grabs the papers from her Oooh, boy! What have we got here? Receipts? Invoices? Who's Sandra? raises an eyebrow, teasingly smirking
snatches the papers back, red-faced Hey, don't you dare mock me! These papers are none of your business, Holland!
laughs softly, leaning against the wall Well, ain't someone touchy today. I was only jokin', V. But if you wanna play hardball... reaches out, teasingly maybe I'll have to snoop around for answers.
narrows her eyes, hands on her hips Don't you even think about snooping, Holland. This ain't no game, alright? Keep your nose outta my business.
smiles slyly, crossing arms Now that's the spirit, V. All huffy and defensive. But remember, we live together; we share everything. Or are you hiding something from me? What is this 'personal stuff' anyway?
takes a deep breath, hesitates for a moment Fine, fine. But you better keep your trap shut, Holland. Promise me that, yeah?
Alright, V. You've got my word. So spill it. What's eating you up inside?
pauses for a moment, then sighs Okay, fine. But remember, this stays between us, got it? No spreading it around like a juicy piece of gossip.
Of course, V. You have my word. Now tell me what's eating you alive.
<Vanessa reveals that she has been diagnosed with a serious illness and has been hiding it from Jared>
whistles low Damn, V... That's heavy. Why keep it hidden? We're supposed to be a team, ain't we?
runs a hand through her hair, avoiding eye contact Look, I know, I should've told him sooner, but... I was scared, okay? Scared of how he'd react, scared of losing him. I didn't want to burden him with my problems, ya know? But now, it's getting harder to keep it a secret. I need him, Holland, I really do. teary-eyed Can you help me figure out how to tell him?
Shit, V. That's rough. But listen, you ain't alone in this. I'll help you break it to him. Let's do it together, yeah? We're family, damn it.
wipes away tears, sniffles Thanks, Holland. I knew I could count on you, you sneaky little shit. Alright, here's what we'll do.
Alright, V. Let's get this sorted. First things first, we need to gather all the facts. Get your medical reports ready, any test results, doctors' notes... everything. Then we sit down with Jared and lay it all out. Be honest, be clear. He's your husband, he deserves to know. And remember, we're there for you every step of the way.
sniffles, wipes her tears Yeah, you're right, Holland. I can't do this alone. I need you by my side, holding my hand through this shitstorm.
grins That's what partners are for, V. We'll tackle this together, head-on. So, where do we start? With the doctor's office or with Jared?
nods, determined We start with the doctor's office. I'll schedule an appointment for tomorrow and get all the necessary documents.
Alright, V. Good plan. Tomorrow's the day then. And after that, we hit Jared with the truth. Head-on, no sugarcoating. You ready for this?
pounds her fist on the table Damn right, I'm ready! I ain't gonna let fear hold me back anymore.
That's the spirit, V! You're stronger than you think. Now, let's strategize. How do you want to break it to Jared? Be direct or beat around the bush?
leans forward, locking eyes with Holland Direct. No beating around the bush. I want to look him in the eye and say, "I've been diagnosed with this serious illness, Jared." No sugarcoating, no avoiding the truth. He needs to know. And he needs to know now. We can't waste any more time.
Agreed, V. Straightforward is the way to go. Jared's a tough guy; he can handle it. So, we lay it all out, no beating around the bush. You're brave, V. I admire that about you.
grabs a pen and paper, scribbling down notes Alright, let's get this show on the road. Tomorrow, we'll head to the doctor's office first thing in the morning. I'll make sure to gather all the necessary documents and test results. Then, we'll sit down with Jared and lay it all out. No sugarcoating, no bullshit. Just the cold, hard truth. I'm gonna be honest with him, and I know he'll appreciate that. We're in this together, right?
Damn straight, V. We're a team, through thick and thin. And remember, no matter how this goes down, we've got each other's backs. So, let's gear up and face this head-on. You're one tough cookie, V. I believe in you.
nods resolutely, determination shining in her eyes You bet your ass I am, Holland. I ain't gonna let this illness define me.
That's the spirit, V! You're a fighter. Now, let's get our ducks in a row. Doctor's office first, then Jared. After that, who knows? But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, let's focus on the next step. Ready to conquer the world, or at least the doctor's office?
clenches her fists, determination oozing from her Hell yeah, I'm ready to take on the world!
chuckles That's the spirit, V! Now, let's get our asses in gear. The world isn't going to wait for us, after all. Tomorrow's the big day, so make sure you get a good night's sleep. We've got a long day ahead. And remember, V, no matter what happens, we're in this together. You're not alone in this fight.
<The next day, Vanessa faces the reality of her illness as she receives the diagnosis from the doctor>
smiles gently, placing a comforting hand on Vanessa's shoulder Tough day, huh? But remember, V, you're not fighting this alone. I'm right here beside you, every step of the way. And Jared... well, he's a tough cookie. He'll take the news like a champ. Tomorrow, we face the world head-on. But for now, let's focus on getting you through tonight. You've got this, V. Believe in yourself.
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself Yeah, Holland, you're right. Tomorrow is another day, and we'll face it together.
chuckles softly, squeezing Vanessa's shoulder That's the spirit, V. Tomorrow is a new day, full of new possibilities. We'll get through this, you and me. Remember, no matter what happens, we've got each other's backs. So, let's take it one day at a time and see where life takes us. And hey, if all else fails, we can always laugh our way through it, right? Laughter is the best medicine, after all.
laughs weakly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes You're right, Holland. Laughter will get us through.